Manaslu Circuit Trek: Itinerary, Cost and Other Essentials

Breathtaking Himalayan views, unique culture and the thrilling adventure is what most of books describe about Manaslu Circuit Trek. One of the well-admired trekking trails of Nepal, Manaslu Circuit Trek, stretches all the way from remote village in Gorkha, Arughat to the Base of Mount Manaslu.

Located in the closer proximity with the Tibetan border, Mt. Manaslu is revered as “The Spirit-Mountain”.

Talking about Mount Manaslu, the 8,163 meter tall mountain is the eighth highest mountain of the world located 40 mile east to Annapurna.

Opened for the trekkers in 1991, the Manaslu trek caters some of the best mountain panorama, magnificent highland culture and so many unexplored places with moderately thrilling adventure.

The popular Manaslu trekking route of 177 kilometres (110 mi) usually starts in Arughat Bazaar following an ancient salt-trading route ending two weeks later in Besisahar, which is the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Major Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek

Rawness in nature, authentic culture, the unsurpassed alpine beauty and the floral and faunal.

Larkya La Pass, 5,100m, the most dramatic pass of the Himalaya.

Glimpse of 10 peaks over 6,500 metres (21,300 ft) including a few over 7,000 metres (23,000 ft).

The trek lies on the newly developed Great Himalaya Trail.

Wonderful cultural experiences with the Tibetan and mountain people.

Buddhist temples, architecture and tradition.

Larkya Pass -Manaslu Circuit Pass

When To Trek Manaslu Region

The Major trekking season is from March to May and September to November with the busiest season October. With precipitation of both from snowfall and rainfall, it is recommended not to trek during the Monsoon (June – August) and Winter (early month of the year).

Permit and Rules

The entire Circuit covers the MCAP which is managed by the NTNC and is considered ‘restricted’ area.

Plus the trek requires a Restricted Area Permit of $50 per week with 7 USD for each additional day if you happen to trek between December to August, whereas it will cost USD 70 Per Person for first week and extra $10 Per Person Per Day between September to November.

Solo Trek is not allowed, the rule states minimum 2 people with a registered trek guide.

All permits require passport-sized photo, Get in Kathmandu quite cheaply or send it to your guide/company.

* MCAP stands for Manaslu Conservation Area Program and NTNC for National Trust for Nature Conservation

Tips : Let your Travel Company Handle all the permit works, they will arrange permits for you in advance.

Note: If you plan to connect with the Annapurna Circuit later in your trek, you will also need to secure the 2,000 Nepali rupee permit for Annapurna Conservation Area in advance.

What to take on the trek

Hiking boots (long lasting boots) make sure you break them well before arriving in Nepal. One could spend up to 5 to 6 hours a day on the trail.

Soft and light shoes (Rubber shoes/sandals/sneakers) carry a lightweight shoes for after the day hike.

Lightweight sleeping bag, essential during peak seasons (October). Lodges/Tea Houses do offer blankets, but are scarce during the peak season, therefore carrying a sleeping bag (-10 C°) can be a great precaution.

Manaslu Circuit After the April Earthquake

Manaslu trail and the conservation area were one of the affected regions following the earthquake. However thing are different now, one year after the earthquake the damaged trails and broken bridge have been fixed and Tea Houses open to business. With the trail open again for trekkers to explore, many have already trekked the beautiful Manasul with some on the route (while you are reading) and many more planning trek after the earthquake. (if you are planning thenBook Now !)

Manaslu Trail Race to begins in 5th November 2016.

In Addition, 25 racers from all over the world including locals completed the tour of Manasul in the form of a race. The Manaslu Trail Race (gallery) was held on November 2015 with a message if we can do it running, you can do it trekking.